Meet the team

Chief Executive Officer

Verena Tarpey

Verena joined the team in September 2023 as Chief Executive Officer. Verena has responsibility for delivering on the vision, mission and strategic objectives of GOSHH.

Verena has worked in the charitable sector for over 15 years and is a graduate of the University of Limerick with a Bachelor of Laws LL.B. Verena is a qualified Solicitor in Ireland, England and Wales and a Peace Commissioner.

Verena volunteers for several organisations across the Midwest including Citizens Information Centre and serves on the board of Clare Volunteer Centre.

Office Manager

Elysha Folan

Elysha brings over seven years of experience in digital marketing and consulting, with a strong background in PR, fundraising, and event management. She has worked extensively with charities and nonprofit organisations, supporting communications, fundraising initiatives, and community-led projects. Her commitment to volunteering and social impact was recognised with the Pramerica Ireland Spirit of Community Award, the highest accolade for volunteer service in Ireland.

Elysha holds a BA in Communications Studies from NUIG and a Level 6 qualification in Special Needs Education from LCFE. Since joining GOSHH in December 2025, she has played a key role in directing and supporting the team across multiple disciplines, while overseeing administrative operations, financial management, and grant funding applications. Outside of work, Elysha remains actively involved in community initiatives, including Barretstown and Crumlin Children’s Hospital, and is a proud member of Sarsfields Rugby, the Midwest’s first inclusive LGBTQ+ rugby club.

Administrator

Róisín O’Connor

Róisín joined the GOSHH team in May 2022.
Róisín is responsible for the front of house reception area of GOSHH and will usually be the first person you meet when you enter the GOSHH Building.

Róisín manages GOSHH’s social media presence. This includes creating and coordinating posts and campaigns for GOSHH’s various social media pages, in collaboration with other members of the team.

Róisín oversees the GOSHH Condom Distribution Scheme. This includes managing the online condom postal service, both in terms of packing, posting, and also related administration and relaying of condom distribution statistics to funders and stakeholders.

Róisín also manages many of the GOSHH social events and clubs. She facilitates GOSHH’s LGBTI+ Book Club, a place to meet monthly to chat in an informal setting about books with LGBTI+ characters and/or themes, primarily by LGBTI+ authors. Róisín also co-facilitates the Young Adult LGBTI+ Book Club and the LGBTI+ Movie Meet-Up for 18+.

Róisín holds a B.A. in New Media and English, and also an M.A. in English from the University of Limerick.

Youth Engagement & Training Coordinator

Cian Guerin

Cian joined the GOSHH team in July 2024 as our Youth Advocacy Worker.
Cian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Care Work from the Technological University of the Shannon.

In this role, Cian supports young people who identify as LGBTI+. Cian fulfils this through one to one personal support with young people, facilitating social groups, and delivering educational workshops. Before joining GOSHH, Cian has supported young people and adults living with disabilities, migrants and refugees in the international protection system, and advocated for youth mental health at both a local and national level.

Cian’s approach to working with LGBTI+ young people emphasizes providing a safe space to explore identity, use their voice, feel listened to, and be themselves without fear of judgement.

Youth Advocacy Worker

Aaron O’ Brien

Aaron joined GOSHH in January 2025 as our Youth Advocacy Worker.

In his role, Aaron works 1:1 and in group settings offering peer support to LGBTQI+ youth, between the ages of 12-24, in the mid-west of Ireland. Aaron’s role also entails facilitating social groups, delivering educational workshops, and outreach work.

Aaron has previous experience working in intellectual disability services, homeless services. and holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from SETU alongside a postgraduate degree in Psychological Sciences from the University of Limerick

Sexual Health Engagement Co-Ordinator

Ayushi Patel

Ayushi joined the GOSHH team in October of 2023 as a testing and personal support worker. Ayushi is responsible for supporting individuals living with HIV, focusing on those who are newly diagnosed or new to Ireland.

Ayushi’s role also entails coordinating testing services within the organisation, while also managing outreach initiatives. Ayushi advocates for HIV awareness, destigmatisation, and dissemination of general information about HIV, along with education about the available HIV services in Ireland.

Ayushi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Surgery from India and a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Limerick, Ireland.

If you would like to know more about testing, want to book a test or need support please do not hesitate to contact Ayushi by phone or email using the details below.

Testing Co-Ordinator

Martina McKnight

Martina joined the GOSHH team in November 2021 as Personal Support Worker.

Martina is responsible for supporting individuals living with Hepatitis.  Co-ordinate the rapid Hepatitis Testing Service.  She also works to develop, implement, and maintain specific services designed to meet the needs of sex workers.

In addition Martina has experience of working with people in homelessness, working with people in addiction and working with adults living with disabilities.

Martina holds a BA in Youth and Counselling and a diploma in Community Development.

Outreach Worker

Bernie O’ Gorman

Bernie joined the GOSHH team in February 2025 as an Outreach Worker. She brings with her a long and diverse background in community volunteering, particularly in County Clare. Bernie has extensive experience advocating for and supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and her commitment to inclusion and equality has been a cornerstone of her work.

In her role, she engages with individuals across Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary, offering support, guidance, and referrals to services related to gender, sexual orientation, and identity. Bernie also facilitates a range of community groups, including the 50+ Social Group, the Migrant Social Gatherings, Coffee Meetups, and the Young Adults Group—creating welcoming spaces for connection, conversation, and mutual support.

In addition to her outreach work, Bernie delivers training workshops in schools and workplaces, focusing on gender, sexual orientation, and healthy relationships. These sessions aim to foster understanding, promote inclusivity, and support the development of respectful and informed communities.

If you or someone you know would like more information around gender identity and sexuality don’t hesitate to get in touch with Bernie.

Email: outreachworker@goshh.ie

Telephone: 061314354

Sexual Health Promotion Worker

Temilolu Ojuawo

Temilolu joined GOSHH in June 2025 as the Sexual Health Promotion Worker. She has her undergraduate degree in Human Anatomy from Babcock University and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Limerick.

Temilolu’s main responsibility is to coordinate and facilitate sexual health programmes. She supports the development and promoting of accessible sexual health services. Her work involves identifying and targeting specific communities in need of safer sex and sexual health messages. By tailoring our trainings and support resources so it can effectively reach those in need. She also supports our testing team in provision of STI testing and outreach services.

Community Development Worker

David Campos

David is our Community Development Worker, who joined the GOSHH team in April 2023. He works to create equal and inclusive communities. David focuses his efforts on Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary, striving to make them welcoming places for everyone.

His mission? To support the LGBTQIA+ community in the Mid-West through a variety of initiatives. From organizing social events to providing essential resources, David ensures that individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and HIV statuses feel valued and respected.

David runs several social groups, including the Coffee Meetup, the Migrant Social Gatherings, and the 50+ Social Group, which not only offer fun and friendship but also serve as spaces where diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
David’s work also extends beyond social events. He collaborates with local organisations, educational institutions and healthcare providers to create welcoming communities, break down barriers, and bridge cultures by developing tailored programmes.
His goal? To break down barriers, bridge cultures, and create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

So, if you’re looking to become part of one of the groups or contribute in any way to making the Mid-West a more inclusive place, don’t hesitate to get in touch with David.

David has a M.A in Research and a M.A in Teaching, he also holds higher certificates in Community Development and Gender Equality.

Email:communitydev@goshh.ie

Telephone:+353 61 314354

HIV Project Manager

Mark Ryan

Mark joined the team as HIV Project Manager in March 2026. Mark holds a Ph.D. which examined the representation of queer identities in Ireland, with particular attention given to stigma, discrimination, and the transformative narratives emerging from LGBTQI+ communities.

Mark has extensive experience as a researcher on a number of international projects, including initiatives addressing public health crises and gender‑inclusive policy responses. He has published in, and reviewed for, a number of international leading academic journals in the sphere of sexuality, sex education, and language and discrimination. Mark has also presented his research at a number of international conferences.

As HIV Project Manager, Mark leads the development and coordination of a Regional HIV Implementation Plan, working collaboratively with people living with HIV, community partners, and HSE stakeholders. He oversees strategic planning, programme delivery and evaluation, ensuring all initiatives align with national HIV strategies and contribute to ending HIV‑related stigma.

Mark brings his specialist knowledge in LGBTQI+ representation, public health, and equality-focused social policy to the role of HIV Project Manager.